RosenBerryRooms is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Anime Vanguards Tier List (October 2025) Best Units TODAY!
By: Osama
Updated On: October 9, 2025
Discover the ultimate Anime Vanguards tier list ranking all units from S+ to D tier for Update 8.5 "Innocent Wrath." This comprehensive guide reveals the best units for every game mode, optimal team compositions, and meta strategies to dominate raids, infinite mode, and PvP in 2025.
Tier
Top Units
Best For
Obtainment
S+
Alocard (Vampire King), Brolzi Super (Wrathful)
All content
Special Banner/Vanguard Quest
S
Igros (Elite Knight), Haruka Rin (Dancer), Song Jinwu (Monarch)
Raids/Infinite
Summon/Evolution
A
Sosuke (Storm), Obita (Awakened), Vogita Super (Awakened)
Mid-game content
Summon/Evolution
B
Agony, Alligator, Blossom
Early game
Common summons
C-D
Luffo, Gaari, Genitsu
Filler only
Starting units
What Makes This Tier List Different?
Unlike other tier lists that simply rank units, this guide combines data from the official Anime Vanguards Wiki, developer patch notes, and top player strategies to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date rankings for Update 8.5. We've analyzed over 100 units across multiple game modes, including their optimal traits, familiars, and team synergies.
Contents
This tier list will help you:
Identify the best units to invest your resources in
Build powerful team compositions for every game mode
Understand the current meta and how to adapt to it
Make informed decisions about unit evolution and trait selection
Ranking Methodology & Criteria
Our tier list rankings are based on comprehensive analysis across multiple factors:
Core Ranking Factors:
Damage Output: Both single-target and AoE capabilities
Versatility: Performance across different game modes and stages
Scaling: How well units perform with upgrades and investment
Team Synergy: Ability to complement other meta units
Cost Efficiency: DPS relative to deployment and upgrade costs
Survivability: Tankiness and defensive capabilities
Game Mode Considerations:
Story Mode: Early to late-game progression viability
Infinite Mode: Sustained performance and leaderboard potential
Raids: Boss damage and team contribution
PvP: Competitive viability and ban rates
Odyssey: Specialized mode performance
Worldlines: Floor clearing capabilities
Data Sources:
Official Anime Vanguards Update 8.5 patch notes
Community testing and tournament results
DPS calculations from the official Wiki
Top player strategies from Discord and Reddit
Complete Anime Vanguards Tier List (October 2025)
S+ Tier: Game-Breaking Units
These units dominate every game mode and are essential for high-end content. They offer unparalleled power, versatility, and team synergy.
Alocard (Vampire King)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why S+: Alocard dominates due to his excellent damage output, versatility, and strong scaling. He remains effective across both wave-clearing and boss fights, making him the most consistent carry unit in the game.
Best For: All game modes, especially raids and infinite
Obtainment: Special Banner, evolution from base Alocard
Cost: ~180,000 Yen to fully upgrade
Brolzi Super (Wrathful)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why S+: Brolzi is a high DPS unit that scales massively with crit. Any crit rate over 100% is turned into crit damage, making him the best rupture unit in the game. He also buffs unbound units when his domain is active.
Best For: Infinite mode, raids, boss fights
Obtainment: Vanguard Quest (Update 8.5)
Cost: 152,000 Yen to fully upgrade
Special Note: Domain conflicts with The Falcon and Koguro
Byeken (Ronin)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Sukono's Finger
Why S+: Incredible single-target damage with strong scaling and utility. His "Get Over Here!" ability provides excellent crowd control and positioning advantages.
Best For: Boss fights, PvP, raids
Obtainment: Special Banner
Vogita Super (Awakened)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why S+: Massive burst damage with excellent AoE coverage. His transformations provide multiple damage phases that scale incredibly well with investment.
Best For: All content, especially wave-clearing
Obtainment: Special Banner (Update 8.5)
S Tier: Meta-Defining Units
These units are extremely powerful and form the core of most competitive teams. They may have minor limitations but excel in their specialized roles.
Igros (Elite Knight)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why S: Combines durability and wide reach in attacks, making him a go-to in many team compositions. His ability to increase damage against bosses makes him invaluable for raid content.
Best For: Raids, frontline defense, all game modes
Obtainment: Evolution from base Igros
Cost: ~160,000 Yen to fully upgrade
Haruka Rin (Dancer)
Optimal Trait: Any (support-focused)
Optimal Familiar: Chili (Update 8.5)
Why S: Provides support and buffs that amplify other units, enabling them to perform at higher levels. Her dance abilities can turn average units into S-tier performers.
Best For: Support role, team compositions
Obtainment: Special Banner
Special Note: Essential for maximizing team DPS potential
Song Jinwu (Monarch)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Song Jinwu's Finger
Why S: Stands out as a summoner type with high synergy with support units, allowing players to build resilient compositions. His shadow spawns provide additional DPS and battlefield control.
Best For: Team compositions, sustained damage
Obtainment: Evolution from base Song Jinwu
Cost: ~140,000 Yen to fully upgrade
Sosuke (Storm)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why S: Versatile DPS that offers great consistency with strong AoE capabilities. His storm abilities provide excellent crowd control and damage over time.
Best For: Wave-clearing, mid-game content
Obtainment: Evolution from base Sosuke
Isdead (Romantic)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why S: Boasts both raw power and useful passives that help mitigate weaknesses. His romantic abilities provide unique utility that keeps him competitive in all game modes.
Best For: All content, especially with proper team support
Obtainment: Special Banner
A Tier: Strong Performers
These units are very strong but often require more specific team setups or higher investment to reach their potential. They're excellent choices for most players.
Obita (Awakened)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why A: Can control crowds and delay enemies, which is incredibly useful, but falls slightly behind in outright damage when compared to S-tier units.
Best For: Crowd control, defensive setups
Obtainment: Evolution from base Obita
Akazo (Destructive)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why A: Has high damage and niche utility but lacks some of the survivability or AoE coverage to match S-tier picks.
Best For: Situational damage, specific team comps
Obtainment: Evolution from base Akazo
Vogita Super (Awakened)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why A: Performs excellently in burst or specialized roles. Shines when playing to strengths but less forgiving in general content.
Best For: Burst damage, specialized teams
Obtainment: Special Banner (Update 8.5)
Chaso (Blood Curse)
Optimal Trait: Monarch
Optimal Familiar: Birb
Why A: Brings sustained damage over time and good synergies, yet more vulnerable to map or enemy designs that punish weaker defenses.
Best For: Damage over time, boss fights
Obtainment: Evolution from base Chaso
B Tier: Solid Choices
B-tier units are solid choices, especially early to mid-game, or in players' secondary teams. They have specific uses but are generally outclassed by higher-tier units in late-game content.
Agony
Why B: Has useful crowd control and utility, but damage and scaling are not quite enough to push into higher tiers without support.
Best For: Early game, crowd control situations
Obtainment: Common summon
Alligator
Why B: Brings niche benefits like slowing enemies and specific trait bonuses which can allow good performance in right circumstances.
Best For: Early game, specific trait synergies
Obtainment: Common summon
Blossom
Why B: Provides utility and a bit of extra DPS for beginner setups, but tends to be outclassed in key stats like DPS, range or effect durations.
Best For: Early game, utility support
Obtainment: Common summon
Itochi
Why B: Good single-target damage dealer or for specific map utility, but lacks strong AoE or trait synergies that many meta teams depend upon.
Best For: Early game, single-target situations
Obtainment: Common summon
C Tier: Acceptable Fillers
Units in this tier are acceptable fillers or early game options, but will be replaced as you unlock better upgrades. They typically suffer from low evolution potential, weak traits, limited AoE, or slow scaling.
Pickleo
Why C: Budget AoE coverage that helps deal with swarms until you can pull stronger units.
Best For: Very early game, temporary AoE
Obtainment: Starting unit
Genas
Why C: Limited utility and poor scaling make him a temporary option at best.
Best For: Filler content, very early game
Obtainment: Common summon
Joe & Jon
Why C: Have very limited utility, often outpaced by nearly any epic or mythic unit in damage or effectiveness.
Best For: Filler only, collection purposes
Obtainment: Starting units
D Tier: Generally Avoid
These units are generally to be avoided unless for collectors, filler content, or when you're just starting out. They have minimal impact and scale poorly.
Gaari
Why D: Has minimal impact, as damage, effects, or traits are weak, and scales poorly.
Best For: Collection only
Obtainment: Starting unit
Luffo
Why D: One of the weakest starting units with poor scaling and limited usefulness beyond early tutorial stages.
Best For: Tutorial completion only
Obtainment: Starting unit
Mimi (Psychic)
Why D: Lacks survivability or utility. Once enemies start having status effects, resistance, or high HP, becomes a liability.
Best For: Collection only
Obtainment: Rare summon
Optimal Team Compositions by Game Stage
Beginner Team (Budget-Friendly)
This team is designed for new players who don't have access to high-tier mythics yet. It mixes damage, crowd control, and filler AoE, giving you enough strength to clear story mode and build resources.
Team Composition:
Itochi (B-Tier) – Solid single-target damage dealer that's easy to get early
Pickleo (C-Tier) – Budget AoE coverage that helps deal with swarms
Blossom (B-Tier) – Provides utility and a bit of extra DPS
Agony (B-Tier) – Good crowd control unit to help stall enemies
Any healer/support (like Orehimi) – Helps survivability when damage is lower
Strategy: Focus on upgrading Itochi first for single-target damage, then use Pickleo and Blossom for AoE coverage. Agony provides crowd control to manage enemy waves. This team can clear most story content and help you farm resources for better units.
Resource Priority: Save gems for S-tier summons, focus on evolving Itochi first, then work on acquiring A-tier units like Sosuke or Obita.
Mid-Game Team (Balanced Power)
This setup balances burst damage, support buffs, and crowd control. It's stronger than beginner builds because it introduces synergy units like Haruka Rin, who makes everyone better.
Team Composition:
Sosuke (Storm, A-Tier) – Versatile DPS that offers great consistency
Obita (Awakened, A-Tier) – Strong crowd control and good damage
Haruka Rin (Dancer, S-Tier) – Brings buffs and team synergy
Gujo (Infinity, A-Tier) – Helps extend team's presence with unique support role
Strategy: Haruka Rin should be your priority placement as her buffs significantly boost the entire team's performance. Sosuke provides consistent DPS while Obita controls crowds. Chaso excels at boss damage with his DoT effects. Gujo provides additional support and sustainability.
Resource Priority: Focus on evolving Haruka Rin first, then Sosuke. Save gems for S-tier summons like Alocard or Igros. Start farming trait rerolls for optimal builds.
Late-Game Meta Team (Maximum Efficiency)
This late-game lineup is designed for maximum efficiency and survivability. It combines the best units in the game for raids, PvP, and infinite scaling modes.
Team Composition:
Alocard (Vampire King, S+ Tier) – The centerpiece DPS with incredible burst and scaling
Yehowach (Almighty, S+ Tier) – A powerhouse unit that deals devastating damage
Igros (Elite Knight, S-Tier) – A durable frontline option who protects squishier allies
Cha-In (Blade Dancer, S+ Tier) – One of the best AoE controllers, preventing enemy swarms
Haruka Rin (Dancer, S-Tier) – Essential buffer making heavy hitters perform at maximum power
Strategy: This team requires proper positioning and timing. Alocard and Yehowach serve as primary damage dealers, while Igros tanks and controls the battlefield. Cha-In provides massive AoE damage to handle swarms, and Haruka Rin's buffs amplify everyone's performance.
Resource Priority: Focus on optimal traits (Monarch for most units) and familiars (Birb for DPS units). Invest in trait rerolls and stat chips to maximize potential. This team can handle all endgame content including raids, infinite mode, and PvP.
Unit Optimization Guide
Optimal Traits by Unit Type
DPS Units (Alocard, Brolzi, Vogita):
Best Trait: Monarch (increases damage and crit rate)
Alternative: Blitz (for faster attack speed)
Why: Monarch provides the best damage scaling for most DPS units, especially those with crit-based mechanics like Brolzi.
Infinite mode requires sustained DPS and team synergy. The best units for infinite mode focus on scaling and survivability.
Top Infinite Mode Units:
Brolzi Super (Wrathful) – Best scaling with crit mechanics
Alocard (Vampire King) – Consistent high DPS
Song Jinwu (Monarch) – Excellent sustained damage with summons
Igros (Elite Knight) – Durable frontline that scales well
Strategy: Focus on units that scale well with upgrades and have good AoE coverage. Position units to maximize coverage and minimize overlap. Use support units like Haruka Rin to amplify damage output.
Raid Strategy
Raids require high single-target damage and boss-specific utilities. The best raid units excel at burst damage and have mechanics that work well against bosses.
Top Raid Units:
Alocard (Vampire King) – Best overall raid DPS
Igros (Elite Knight) – Excellent boss damage with bonus against bosses
Yehowach (Almighty) – Devastating burst damage
Chaso (Blood Curse) – Strong DoT against bosses
Strategy: Prioritize single-target damage and boss-specific mechanics. Use units with abilities that bypass boss defenses or provide additional damage against bosses. Position units to maximize uptime on boss targets.
PvP Strategy
PvP requires versatile units that can handle various team compositions and have good counterplay options.
Top PvP Units:
Byeken (Ronin) – Excellent single-target with utility
Obita (Awakened) – Great crowd control and disruption
Alocard (Vampire King) – Consistent high damage
Haruka Rin (Dancer) – Essential support for team compositions
Strategy: Focus on units with good utility and disruption capabilities. Build teams that can handle various threats and have answers to common meta picks. Position units to control key battlefield areas.
Update 8.5 "Innocent Wrath" Analysis
New Units Overview
Update 8.5 introduced four powerful new units that have significantly impacted the meta:
Brolzi Super (Wrathful)
Obtainment: Vanguard Quest
Impact: Immediately became S+ tier due to crit scaling mechanics
Best For: Infinite mode, raids, boss fights
Synergy: Works well with other unbound units
Lord Friezo (Emperor)
Obtainment: Special Banner
Impact: Strong A-tier unit with good utility
Best For: Mid-game content, specific team compositions
Special: 20% chance to obtain Rogita when equipped in Frozen Volcano
Rogita (Fused)
Obtainment: Dungeon Drop (Frozen Volcano)
Impact: Solid A-tier unit with good scaling
Best For: Mid to late-game content
Special: Can be obtained with Friezo equipped in dungeon
Wolf (Resurrection)
Obtainment: Worldlines Floor 50
Impact: Replaced Monkey King (Awakened) as Floor 50 reward
Best For: Late-game content, specific team compositions
Special: New Worldlines Season 7 reward
Meta Changes
Update 8.5 brought several significant meta changes:
Crit Scaling Meta: Brolzi Super's introduction has made crit-focused builds more viable
Dungeon Content: Frozen Volcano dungeon provides new farming opportunities and unit acquisition methods
Worldlines Reset: Season 7 reset progression, making Wolf (Resurrection) the new endgame reward
Support Buffs: New Chili familiar and support improvements have enhanced support unit viability
How to Get More Units?
Summoning System
The primary way to obtain new units is through the summoning system:
Basic Summoning:
Cost: 50 gems per summon
Location: Summon portal in main hub
Rates: Vary by banner, typically 1-3% for mythic units
Special Banners:
Update 8.5 Banner: Features new units like Brolzi Super and Lord Friezo
Vanguard Banner: Features high-tier vanguard units
Elemental Banners: Focus on specific element types
Free Gem Sources
Maximize your gem acquisition with these methods:
Daily Rewards: Login consistently for bonus gems
Quest Completion: Story quests and daily quests provide gems
Achievement System: Complete achievements for gem rewards
Event Participation: Events like Nornesh Please offer gem rewards
NPC Interactions: Talk to NPCs for first-time interaction gems
Value: Comprehensive unit information, tier lists, and game mechanics
Reddit Community
Subreddit: r/AnimeVanguard
Value: Player discussions, strategy sharing, and community events
YouTube Content Creators
Value: Video guides, tier list updates, and gameplay tutorials
Recommended: Search for "Anime Vanguards Update 8.5" for latest content
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best units for beginners in Anime Vanguards?
For beginners, focus on obtaining and evolving Itochi, Blossom, and Agony from the B-tier. These units provide a good balance of damage, utility, and are relatively easy to obtain. As you progress, work towards acquiring Sosuke (Storm) and Obita (Awakened) from the A-tier.
How often does the Anime Vanguards tier list change?
The tier list typically changes with major updates, which occur every 4-6 weeks. Update 8.5 "Innocent Wrath" (September 2025) significantly shifted the meta with new units like Brolzi Super (Wrathful) entering the S+ tier. Minor balance patches can also cause smaller tier list adjustments.
What's the difference between normal and evolved units?
Evolved units are enhanced versions of base units with improved stats, new abilities, and higher tier placements. For example, base Alocard is A-tier, but Alocard (Vampire King) is S+ tier. Evolution requires specific items, essence, and gold, but significantly boosts unit performance.
How do I get more gems for summoning in Anime Vanguards?
You can get gems through multiple methods: daily login rewards, completing story quests and achievements, participating in events, redeeming active codes, talking to NPCs for first-time interaction bonuses, and progressing through the battle pass.
What are the best traits for units in Anime Vanguards?
The Monarch trait is generally the best for most units as it provides damage increases and additional benefits. For support units, any support-focused trait works well. The Blitz trait is good for units that benefit from attack speed increases. Always check unit-specific recommendations as some units have trait-specific synergies.
How do I participate in the Frozen Volcano dungeon?
The Frozen Volcano dungeon is available in Update 8.5. Access it through the dungeon menu in the main hub. The dungeon features Dragon Spheres, Modifier Cards, and has a 20% chance to drop Rogita if you have only Lord Friezo equipped. Check our Frozen Volcano guide for detailed strategies.
What's the current meta for Anime Vanguards in October 2025?
The current meta revolves around crit scaling units like Brolzi Super (Wrathful), support buffers like Haruka Rin (Dancer), and versatile carries like Alocard (Vampire King). Team compositions typically include 1-2 DPS units, 1 support, 1 tank/bruiser, and 1 utility unit. The Frozen Volcano dungeon and Update 8.5 units have significantly influenced the current meta.
How do I optimize my unit placement in Anime Vanguards?
Unit placement depends on the map and unit type. Generally, place DPS units where they have maximum coverage of enemy paths, tank units at choke points to absorb damage, support units centrally to buff multiple allies, and AoE units where they can hit the most enemies. Consider unit range, attack patterns, and enemy spawn points when positioning.
Conclusion
This comprehensive Anime Vanguards tier list for October 2025 provides you with everything needed to dominate every game mode. From the S+ tier game-breakers like Alocard (Vampire King) and Brolzi Super (Wrathful) to strategic team compositions for every game stage, you now have the knowledge to make informed decisions about unit investment and team building.
Remember that the meta continues to evolve with each update, so stay connected with the official Discord and check back regularly for updates to this tier list. Focus on building a balanced team that suits your playstyle, and don't be afraid to experiment with different unit combinations.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide and check our Anime Vanguards codes page regularly for the latest free gems and summons to help you build your ultimate team!
Whether you're a beginner looking to clear story mode or a veteran pushing infinite mode leaderboards, this tier list will guide you to success in Anime Vanguards. Happy gaming, and may your summons be ever in your favor!
RosenberryRooms is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
